Douglas Kmiec nominated to become U.S. Ambassador to Malta

He has held firm that Obama will reduce abortions through his policies, though the President favors legalized abortion.

WASHINGTON (CNA) - The White House announced that President Obama will nominate Douglas Kmiec, a Catholic and self-described pro-life law professor, as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Malta.

If approved, Kmiec would become the ambassador to the Catholic island nation, located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Sicily.

Dr. Kmiec, who is currently a law professor at Pepperdine University, came under fire last year when he announced his support for Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election. He has held firm that Obama will reduce abortions through his policies, though the President favors legalized abortion.

In contrast to the Obama Administration, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca of Malta has previously spoken out about the role Christian politicians must take in respecting life in all stages. During a Maltese Independence Day celebration in 2004, he noted that these politicians "should reject abortion and euthanasia, work for sustainable economic and social development and be in solidarity with the weakest and most vulnerable."

Along with the announcement of Kmiec's nomination, President Obama named four other ambassadors to the countries of: Mongolia, Burkina Faso, Swaziland and the Netherlands.

He added, "I am confident that these fine individuals will represent our nation abroad with distinction, and strengthen our diplomatic efforts to meet 21st century challenges. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.

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